Race hots up to buy West Ham with two locked in 100m takeover race

15 Jan 2010 00:13:22

The protracted battle for control of West Ham was nearing conclusion on Thursday night with Cagliari president Massimo Cellino and the InterMarket consortium understood to be locked in a two-horse race to buy the cash-strapped club.
Cellino, who is being assisted by prominent sports lawyer Chris Farnell, held further talks with West Ham's corporate brokers Rothschilds.
The Italian, who is using his own money to fund the bid, is understood to be ready to pay around £63million to gain control at Upton Park and is also ready to clear West Ham's debt, estimated to be about £40m.
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However, InterMarket, a consortium made up of wealthy West Ham fans,claim they are the preferred bidder and are also ready to hand over inthe region of £100m, although Rrothschilds are understood to be stillwaiting for proof of funds.
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